TÜV shock for campers: these defects lurk from the sixth year onwards

When the van weakens: the TÜV Report 2025 shows the critical zones of ageing camping base vehicles

The reliability of the basic vehicle is the foundation of every journey. However, the latest TÜV Report 2025, reported on by GMX and other media, reveals a clear weakness in the growing camping van segment: The defect rate rises significantly with increasing age. The situation becomes particularly critical from the sixth year of operation onwards. These findings are highly relevant for owners of panel vans and semi-integrated motorhomes, as the technical basis is often identical to commercially used vans.

The critical six-year limit

While young vehicles generally only have minor complaints, the statistics show a clear bend in the reliability curve. According to the evaluations of the testing organisations, the typical weak points accumulate as soon as the vans pass the six-year mark and often reach the 100,000 kilometre mark. This affects many of the popular basic vehicles - from the VW T6 and Fiat Ducato to the Mercedes Sprinter - which today dominate the booming camping market as used vehicles.

The report emphasises that the high stress caused by the camping structure and the often longer off-season periods accelerate the ageing process. Campers who want to keep their vehicle for longer than six years need to be prepared for more intensive maintenance to ensure safety and avoid high repair costs.

Technical hotspots: Where the inspector takes a close look

Die Mängellisten der Prüforganisationen sind oft ähnlich, wenn es um gealterte Nutzfahrzeuge geht. Wie die dpa in ihren Berichten zu den Ergebnissen hervorhebt, sind es primär die Bereiche, die unter hoher Last stehen oder Witterungseinflüssen ausgesetzt sind. Hierzu zählen klassischerweise die Beleuchtungssysteme – insbesondere Scheinwerfer und Rückleuchten – sowie die Bremsanlagen. Bei Transportern, die oft mit maximaler Zuladung bewegt werden, zeigen sich Verschleißerscheinungen an Bremsscheiben und -belägen früher als bei Pkw.

Another often underestimated problem with vans is corrosion. Due to high payloads and seasonal use, campers should pay particular attention to rust formation on axles, frames and load-bearing body parts, as this is where the greatest safety risks lurk. Although the tightness of the add-on parts and the body itself are not directly subject to the main technical inspection of the base vehicle, moisture damage can indirectly lead to problems with the electrics and chassis components.

Preventive maintenance: how to minimise the risk

Für Wohnmobilfahrer bedeutet der aktuelle Report eine klare Handlungsaufforderung zur Prävention. Statt nur auf die obligatorische Hauptuntersuchung zu warten, empfiehlt sich eine vorzeitige Inspektion der kritischen Komponenten. Ein Fokus sollte auf dem Zustand der Stoßdämpfer und Federn liegen, da das hohe Aufbaugewicht von Reisemobilen diese Komponenten stärker belastet als bei gewöhnlichen Lieferwagen.

Experts also advise checking the brake fluid and the movement of the brake pistons on a regular basis, as longer downtimes in winter can impair their function. The TÜV report confirms this: Investing in maintenance at an early stage and knowing the specific weak points of ageing vans avoids expensive repairs and unnecessary stress when travelling.